Sun City   

From down-on-their-luck hobos who struck pay dirt with cow manure to lost English gentlemen who found their way out West, ASU Professor and History Detective Eduardo Pagán will provide an overview of the fascinating people who contributed to the rise of Phoenix from the ruins of the Hohokam settlements.

Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.” Her paintings are more than art – they are a visual autobiography, rich with symbolism, emotion, and personal history. Join us as we explore the life and legacy of this iconic Mexican artist, whose bold self-portraits continue to captivate and inspire across generations. From her close relationship with her father to the devastating bus accident that shaped her physical and emotional world to her passionate and turbulent relationship with Diego Rivera, each chapter of Frida’s life is vividly reflected in her work.

For many of us, one of the first things we do in the morning is drink a cup of coffee or tea. This class encourages us to think more deeply about these caffeinated beverages and their significance. We will discuss what led to their globalization in the early modern era, the first, second, and third waves of coffee, and efforts to promote fair trade coffee, drawing on a Global Intensive Experience in Guatemala led by Dr. Sarreal at ASU. We will also explore the third most popular caffeinated beverage – yerba mate – widely consumed in southern South America and the subject of Dr. Sarreal’s book Yerba Mate: The Drink that Shaped a Nation. Why did coffee, tea, and chocolate globalize in the early modern era while yerba mate did not? Join us as we uncover the hidden histories behind your morning cup and sample some yerba mate.

In this talk, you will discover how the Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings are connected to unwashed socks. We will take a detailed look at the Sistine Chapel artworks, uncovering fascinating facts and sharing funny and informative stories about the people and scenes depicted on the ceiling. The session will also cover a brief history of the Sistine Chapel and explore Michelangelo’s thoughts and poetry regarding the painting of the ceiling.